SMITHFIELD-
When Transportation Officer Alexander Harlee is transporting inmates to court,
the hospital or to other facilities, safety and security are his main concerns.
That's evident because in Harlee's four years as transportation officer he has
never had an inmate escape.

"I make sure the inmates are secure,"
said Harlee. "No one has even tried to escape while in my custody."

The 11-year veteran is one of more than 11,000
certified correctional staff who protect public safety by supervising offenders
at one of the state's 78 prisons. Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed May 20-26 as
Correctional Officers Week in North Carolina.

Harlee first joined the Department in 1968 as a
correctional officer at Central Prison. He left about a year later for work in
law enforcement agencies working as a police officer in the State Capitol Police
and Clayton Police Department. He realized his love for travel and people and
became a bus driver for Greyhound Bus Lines. In 1990, Harlee returned to the
Department as a correctional officer at Johnston Correctional Institution. Seven
years later he became a transportation officer there.

As a transportation officer, Harlee is also
responsible for inspecting the vehicle he's assigned. "I check under the
hood and the tires and things on the vehicle and then I search it for contraband
before I'll put an inmate in it," said Harlee. "Then I search the
inmate thoroughly, put restraints on their hands and ankles and search their
personal property."

Harlee says he enjoys his job and has no problem
working with inmates. He offers this advice to anyone considering a career in
corrections, "As long as you're fair and firm, you'll gain the inmates'
respect. If you stick to what you learn in training and follow policy, you'll
never have any problems."

Clayton is now home to Harlee and his wife. They
have three adult children and four grandchildren. Originally from Raleigh,
Harlee graduated from Lincoln High School in 1958. He attended NC A&T State
University for two years before serving in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg. In
his spare time, Harlee is involved in his church, fishing and golfing.